If only The Brave One had captured more of the complex nature of the fear and paranoia plaguing society since 9/11. Instead, it is a well-made but predictable take on the revenge fantasy thriller, with a female twist.

Parents need to know that this dark, mature revenge drama uses brutal violence and subjective images to play up its dire emotions. Within the first few minutes, a young couple is horribly attacked by a gang in a scene featuring hard hits and kicks, blood, and screaming. Subsequent violence includes loud and ferocious shooting, stabbing, beating, cars crashing, and a body that's been thrown from a high parking garage floor (viewers don't see the throw, but they see the body). Hospital scenes feature close-ups of bloody bodies and faces. There's some kissing, plus a sex scene (intercut with the violent attack) that shows bare breasts/nipples. Language is fierce, including multiple uses of "f--k."

Families can talk about the concept of revenge, which the movie revolves around. Does it make you feel better to "get back" at someone who has wronged you? Is violent vengeance ever justified? Parents, talk with your kids about the difference between real life and fantasy -- even teens. Point out that consequences exist -- even if it makes you feel humorless. The fact that violent movies stimulate parts of the brain is worth a reminder. Also, how do Erica's efforts to "clean up" the city streets challenge gender expectations? Why do so many people assume the killer is a man?

The good stuff

Messages: Criminals and thugs are everywhere, committing violent acts with guns, knives, and heavy boots. The hero is a vigilante, which raises lots of questions about justice and morality. A good cop pursues a wife-abuser who eludes legal punishment.

What to watch for

Violence: Brutal tunnel attack features fast editing and disturbing camerawork (sometimes using cell-phone video footage). The attack itself includes hitting, kicking, bodies being thrown against the tunnel wall, and bloody faces, limbs, and torsos. The subsequent hospital scenes feature frantic ER rushing, bloody clothes being cut off, and images of horrific injuries (including visuals of a woman shot in the head). Erica's post-attack face is a darkly bloody pulp. A cop asks a young girl if her stepfather "hurt" her mommy. Erica enters a gun shop, then buys a handgun illegally. Other very loud, bloody scenes include a man shooting a woman in the chest and Erica shooting him in neck (bottles smash, blood on the floor); Erica shooting two thieves on a subway; and Erica holding gun to pimp's head, then shooting him as he tries to run her over.

Sex: Flirty talk between loving couple ("What are you wearing?"); tender, passionate kiss. A brutal attack is intercut with a flashback to a sex scene -- which focuses on faces and close-ups of body parts, including nipples and hands on torsos. Slangy references to people and body parts ("dick," "that little whore," "t--ties").

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